The EB3 visa is one of the most popular employment-based immigration options for people who want to live and work permanently in the United States. While the process can seem complicated at first, understanding each stage makes it much easier to follow.
The EB3 Visa process is designed for employers in the United States who cannot find enough local workers to fill certain positions. These are often entry-level jobs in industries that continue to face labor shortages, including restaurants, hospitality, caregiving, manufacturing, and food processing.
Unlike temporary work visas, the EB3 category leads to permanent residency. Successful applicants receive a green card, and their spouse and children under 21 can immigrate with them.
What Is the EB3 Visa?
The term “EB” stands for employment-based immigration, while “3” refers to the third preference category. The EB3 category includes skilled workers, professionals, and “other workers,” which usually refers to entry-level jobs that require minimal experience or education.
The EB3 Visa process allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent jobs when they cannot find enough qualified American workers.
Common EB3 jobs include:
- Fast food crew members
- Restaurant workers
- Dishwashers
- Caregivers
- Hotel staff
- Assembly line workers
- Poultry plant workers
- Manufacturing workers
Many employers participating in the program are large, established businesses with hundreds of employees and ongoing labor shortages.
EB3 Visa Process Explained Step by Step
Understanding the EB3 Visa process step by step can help applicants prepare for the long timeline and requirements involved.
Step 1: Employer Finds a Need for Workers
The process starts when a U.S. employer cannot fill open positions with local workers. These businesses may already be experiencing staffing shortages and expect those shortages to continue for years.
Many employers in the program own multiple restaurant locations, hospitality businesses, or manufacturing operations.
Step 2: Applicant Screening
Before anything is filed, applicants are usually screened to determine whether they qualify for the program.
This stage may include:
- Reviewing immigration history
- Checking for prior visa violations
- Criminal background screening
- English communication evaluation
- Resume review
- Zoom interviews
English proficiency is often important because workers must communicate with employers and understand the process clearly.
Step 3: Employer Interview
Applicants who pass the initial screening are interviewed directly by the employer, usually over Zoom.
The interview is similar to a normal job interview in the United States. Employers are generally looking for:
- Positive attitude
- Teamwork skills
- Customer service mindset
- Reliability
- Communication skills
- Ability to work in fast-paced environments
Since these are entry-level jobs, applicants are not expected to have extraordinary qualifications.
Step 4: Job Offer Is Issued
If the employer decides to move forward, the applicant receives an official job offer letter.
The offer states that the employer intends to hire the worker once the immigration process is complete and work authorization is approved.
This is one of the most important stages of the EB3 Visa process because the green card is tied to a real permanent job offer.
Step 5: PERM Labor Certification
The PERM labor certification is the first official government stage.
During this process, the employer must prove that qualified U.S. workers are not available for the position. The employer also completes recruitment and advertising steps required by the Department of Labor.
Employers are responsible for paying all PERM-related fees.
Currently, PERM processing times can be very long, sometimes taking around 500 days or more.
Step 6: I-140 Immigrant Petition
Once the PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS.
At this stage, the employer must demonstrate the financial ability to pay the offered wage.
Many employers in the EB3 program are established companies that have been operating for years and meet the required financial standards.
Step 7: Waiting for the Priority Date
After filing, applicants must wait for their priority date to become current according to the Visa Bulletin.
This is often the longest part of the EB3 Visa process. In many cases, the total timeline may exceed four years.
Some countries face even longer wait times because of annual visa limits.
Step 8: Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status
Applicants outside the United States usually complete consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
Applicants already inside the U.S. on another visa may qualify for adjustment of status.
At this stage, applicants attend interviews, complete medical examinations, and submit final documents before receiving immigrant visa approval.
Step 9: Entering the United States and Receiving the Green Card
Once approved, applicants receive an immigrant visa stamp in their passport and can enter the United States as permanent residents.
The green card is later mailed to the U.S. address listed during the process.
Workers are expected to begin employment with their sponsoring employer after arrival.
How to Apply for the EB3 Visa Process
If you want to begin the EB3 Visa process, here are the general steps to follow:
- Research legitimate EB3 employers or agencies
- Complete an eligibility screening
- Attend interviews with recruiters and employers
- Receive a formal job offer
- Submit immigration paperwork
- Wait for PERM and USCIS processing
- Complete embassy or adjustment interviews
- Receive your immigrant visa and move to the U.S.
Applicants should fully understand the timeline, costs, and obligations before starting the process.
How Long Does the EB3 Visa Process Take?
Processing times can vary significantly depending on government backlogs and visa availability.
Many applicants currently experience timelines of around 48 months or longer from the PERM filing stage until final approval.
Several factors affect timing, including:
- Country of birth
- Visa Bulletin movement
- PERM backlog
- USCIS processing times
- Embassy interview scheduling
Some immigration advocates are currently pushing for reforms to speed up PERM processing through premium processing options.
Can Family Members Come Too?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of the EB3 Visa process is that spouses and unmarried children under 21 may also receive green cards.
This allows families to immigrate together and live permanently in the United States.
EB3 vs H1B vs H2B
The EB3 Visa process is different from temporary visa categories like H1B or H2B.
The biggest difference is permanence.
An EB3 visa leads to permanent residency and eventually possible citizenship, while temporary visas are designed for limited stays.
With EB3, workers receive green cards and can permanently live and work in the United States.
Challenges Facing the EB3 Program
Although the EB3 program remains popular, there are several challenges affecting processing times.
The annual quota for EB3 other workers is limited, even though industries like restaurants and senior care continue to face major labor shortages.
There are also long PERM processing delays and Visa Bulletin backlogs.
Some immigration advocates are proposing reforms that could reduce waiting times and increase efficiency in the future.
FAQ About the EB3 Visa Process
Is the EB3 visa permanent?
Yes. The EB3 visa leads to permanent residency and a green card.
Can I bring my spouse and children?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may immigrate with you.
Do I need a college degree?
Not necessarily. Many EB3 other worker jobs are entry-level positions that require little formal education.
How long does the EB3 Visa process take?
Many cases currently take around four years or longer depending on visa availability and government processing times.
Can someone already in the U.S. apply for EB3?
Yes. Some people already in the United States on student or other visas may qualify for adjustment of status through the EB3 Visa process.
What jobs are most common in the EB3 program?
Restaurant jobs, caregiving, hospitality positions, manufacturing, and assembly work are among the most common.
Final Thoughts
The EB3 Visa process offers a legal pathway to permanent residency in the United States for workers willing to accept qualifying job offers from sponsoring employers.
Although the process can be lengthy, many applicants view it as a life-changing opportunity for themselves and their families. As labor shortages continue across multiple industries, the demand for international workers through the EB3 program is expected to remain strong in the coming years.
Also Read: June 2026 Visa Bulletin EB-3 Processing Times
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